Business : Cooling Dancers win many awards at Starz Finals

Mini winners

Something Big

Teen Platinum

Cooling Dancer Izzie Birker receives the Judges Choice award for her group "This Way to Neverland."

Wisconsin Dells, WI: The Cooling Dancers of the Vinton area competed June 18-20 at the Midwest Starz Grand National Finals. The event was held at the Kalahari Resort Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. 47 studios from numerous states were in attendance competing in several age groups and styles of dance.

Judges for the event were Herman Payne of the Julliard School, Matthew Peacock of “Glee” and “Dancing with the Stars,” Jarel Waters, Freelance choreographer of NYC, Paul Sadler from the National Tour of Disney’s “The Lion King,” Star Dixon of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and Denise LaPoint of the NYC Spirit in Motion Ballet Company and cast member of “A Chorus Line.”

Dancers were evaluated on technique, presentation, and costume, with ratings and placements given.

Additionally, each judge presented certificates to two “favorites” routines, with the Vinton dancers receiving one of these special awards.

It was a wonderful and exciting experience for our area dancers. They brought home many awards and did a fantastic job representing our community.

Results Were:

Mini Lg. Group Jazz “The Fabulous 50’s” High Gold and “Top Ten” overall placing 7th Runner Up High Point Mini Lg. Group:

Claire Booth, Alana Fleming, Emma Fry, Gracie Fry, Brooke Johnston, Haylee Karr, Mallory Kenny, Zoey Kriner, Samantha Lundvall, Chloe Mossman, Karsyn Nichol, Julia Paine, Olivia Primrose, Joshuah Rivera, Sophia Seeck, Sophia Vasquez, Brynn Wilden

Mini Lg. Group Tap: This Way to Neverland: High Gold and Judges’ Special Award from Paul Sadler: Izzie Birker, Sadie Burke, Addyson Chvala, Peytin Clemensen, Carmen Henkle, Kira Jacobs, Mia Jacobs, Julia Johnson, Brooke Johnston, McKenna Kingsbury, Samantha Lundvall, Chloe Mossman, Joshuah Rivera, Rachel Rollinger, Mila Van Weelden, Sophia Vasquez

Preteen Lg. Group Jazz: Happy Together : Platinum Rating

Claire Booth, Brylee Bruce, Kalie Burke, Alyssa Griffith, Emily Ingalls, Megan Kenny,

Karsyn Nichol, Jenna Pattee, Kara Perry, Charleston Steinke, Lacey Stout, Baylee Wheeler

Preteen Lg. Group Tap: Bring Me a Dream: High Gold and 1sst Runner Up Preteen Tap Category

Zena Aragon, Madalynn Farmer, Kayla Griffith, Alli Kemp, Raeganne Neilson, Elsa Page, Lauren Paine, Lydia Radeke, Taylor Shipley, Ashlee Thomas

Teen Lg. Group Jazz: Something Big: High Gold and Category Winner 12 yr. old Jazz

Leah Bohnsack, Newelle Dalton, Hannah Houtakker, Randi Jenkins, Lailey Lazenby, Karsyn Semelroth, Jayden Steffen, Chelsee Tharp, Nicki Thomas

Teen Lg. Group Tap: Crazy Little Thing Called Love: High Gold and 1st Runner up Teen Tap

Charley Cooling, Kelli Cox, Cassie Hazen, Allissa Hendryx, Maurissa Higgins, Noreasa Higgins, Leah Kaufman, Bree Lundvall, Shelby McDonald, Grace Petrzelka, Lauren Price, Amy Thomas, Morgan White

Teen Production: No Limits: Platinum Rating and “Top 5” Finish, Placing 3rd Runner Up High Point Production

Leah Bohnsack, Baylee Bruce, Brylee Bruce, Charley Cooling, Kelli Cox, Newelle Dalton, Madalynn Farmer, Katie Folkmann, Cassie Hazen, Abbye Hendryx, Allissa Hendryx, Maurissa Higgins, Noreasa Higgins, Randi Jenkins, Leah Kaufman, Grace Keegan, Allison Kemp, Kailey Lazenby, Bree Lundvall,

Shelby McDonald, Raeganne Neilson, Elsa Page, Grace Petrzelka, Lauren Paine, Lauren Price, Lydia Radeke, Taylor Shipley, Chelsee Tharp, Amy Thomas, Ashlee Thomas, Nicki Thomas, Max Vasquez,

Taylor Wheeler, Morgan White, Madi Winter